Question

"I dare you to climb to the top, Dave!" suddenly challenged a boy in the group.

Almost before the challenge had been given, his coat was off, and he had started toward the new building amid a chorus of cries: "Good for you, Dave!" from the group of young spectators who were always thrilled by his daring exploits.

Use the details you highlighted to answer the questions.

What inference can be made about David, based on the details in the passage?

David liked to take dares.

Is this an example of direct or indirect characterization?

Answer 1

Yes — the passage implies David likes to take dares (he immediately accepts and begins climbing after the challenge, and the crowd praises his daring). This is indirect characterization: the author shows David’s trait through his actions, others’ dialogue, and reactions rather than explicitly stating “David is daring.”